When I first came to Hopkins, I had never been to the east coast before. It was a little bit of a culture shock—but in the best way possible. There are so many fun things I’ve gotten to experience and a lot more that I’m still looking forward to doing. So, here are five new things I’ve experienced, and five things I want to do before I graduate this year!
5 Things I’ve Done
1. Peabody Library
It’s not an exaggeration to say that when I was accepted to Hopkins, part of me was excited just to see this library. Seeing pictures of it online had me imagining what it would be like to visit in person. I never would’ve guessed that I’d eventually be studying in that library. It’s just a short campus bus ride away and looks even better in person.
2. Washington, DC
Just a few years ago, I’d never been to DC. Now, I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve gone. It’s only an hour train ride and $9 each way. As a bonus, the campus bus has a conveniently located stop at the train station. A few of my favorite adventures include the National Zoo, ASL open mic nights, studying in the Hopkins Bloomberg Center, and the National Mall.
3. Taharka & Dolcezza Ice Cream
Back home in Texas, we have Blue Bell ice cream. In Baltimore, we have Taharka, and in DC, there’s Dolcezza Gelato. Luckily, the on-campus dining spot, Charles Street Market, keeps both of these in stock. I can’t even imagine how many dining dollars I’ve burned on both of these brands. It might seem a little dramatic to have ice cream on my list, but trust me, it’s earned its spot. I mean no offense to Blue Bell, but Taharka and Dolcezza are the best ice cream brands I’ve ever had. I’m really gonna miss these two after I graduate.
4. American Sign Language (ASL)
ASL has been one of the most fun classes I’ve taken at Hopkins. Not only do you learn a new language, but you also get to learn about Deaf Culture. Since DC has a very large deaf population, it’s super cool that Hopkins is just a train ride away. My class got to tour Gallaudet University, the world’s only university designed specifically to serve deaf and hard of hearing students and visit the Signing Starbucks.
5. Research
When my ASL teacher told us the lab he works in was looking for undergrads, I knew I had to apply. Since then, I’ve gotten to practice my signing by attending DEAFOPIA and the Baltimore City Association of the Deaf’s 5th Anniversary Gala. Before coming to Hopkins, I had no idea what the process of conducting research even looked like. It’s been really fun getting to assist with studies, code data, attend outreach events, and stay up to date on the current literature. The lab studies both deafness and blindness, so it’s been a really unique experience getting to work with these communities.
5 Things to Come
1. New York
New York is a bit of a longer train ride away (about three hours), but I’m really looking forward to going. A lot of people I know have gone and had a great time. Since I practically grew up with the show “Cake Boss,” my first stop will be visiting Carlo’s Bakery near Times Square. And I will absolutely report back when I’ve gone!
2. Moo Moo Cows Ice Cream
As you can see, I take my ice cream very seriously. That’s why when I heard Moo Moo Cows is in hot competition with Taharka for the number one local spot, I immediately added it to my bucket list. Moo Moo Cows is located near Inner Harbor, and in due time I will be visiting to settle the great ice cream debate once and for all.
3. Seafood
I absolutely love seafood, so I’m not really sure how this one slipped through the cracks. I’ve heard promising things about places near Fell’s Point and Inner Harbor, so I might just have to visit a few different spots. The crabs, oysters, and shrimp better watch out because I’m coming for ‘em!
4. Baltimore Museum of Art
This is an embarrassing addition to the list because I literally pass this museum every single day on the way to class, it’s free to the public, and I still haven’t gone. I’ve been to the sculpture garden though and it’s a nice, peaceful break from my busy schedule.
5. Food at the Bloomberg Student Center
Now that the new student center has officially opened, I’m anxiously waiting for them to start serving food. There’s gonna be six locally connected vendors and a full-service restaurant with a bar. Two of those vendors are operated by a Hopkins alum. I think it’s really neat that a lot of our on-campus dining options feature food from local businesses. It’s an easy way to explore the area without having to go far. One year, I brought a bunch of stuff back to my family from Charles Street Market, so they could sample some local foods; it was really fun!
I have a lot of work to do before I graduate this spring! There are so many memories left to make, places to visit, and foods to try. I’m determined to fulfill everything on my bucket list and more. When I do, you already know I’ll report back here!
